Tripoli: Libyan protesters on Thursday stormed a UN mission office west of the capital Tripoli over reports of migrant resettlement in the country. Videos circulated by activists on social media showed protesters entering the UN mission's headquarters in the Janzour area of Tripoli.
According to Anadolu Agency, demonstrators also blocked access to the office of the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) in the Sarraj district by piling mounds of sand at its entrances, as shown in footage shared online. In a statement, Al-Sarraj Social Council, a non-governmental organization, called for the UNHCR's departure from the country and an end to what it described as its support for 'irregular migrants.' It also urged backing for Libyan government efforts to deport 'infiltrators' from Libya.
The protest emerged following media reports about plans by UN agencies to resettle undocumented migrants in Libya. These reports have not been confirmed by any official Libyan or UN body. On Monday, the Libyan Foreign Ministry of the Tripoli-based government reiterated its rejection of migrant resettlement in the country. Head of Libya's High Council of State Mohamed Takala, Presidency Council member Abdullah al-Lafi, and head of the Administrative Control Authority Abdullah Qaderbouh also opposed the resettlement of irregular migrants in the country.
On Tuesday, the UN mission in Libya expressed its concern over what it termed 'the resurgence of misinformation, and inflammatory rhetoric' against migrants. It warned that such narratives could fuel tension, mistrust, discrimination, and violence, affecting the dignity, security, and daily lives of people across Libya.
Additionally, Saddam Haftar, the deputy commander of East Libya-based forces, directed security agencies to end 'the illegal presence' of irregular migrants on Libyan territory. In a related move, local authorities in the western city of Zuwara announced a temporary night curfew on foreign residents to 'enhance security and public safety.'
Irregular migration remains active in northwestern Libya, especially along the Mediterranean coast, in cities like Qarabulli, Sabratha, and Zuwara, where groups exploit the political division and security chaos in the country.